The stadium is completely packed. The jumbotron hanging in the center displays an ongoing video game in bright neon colors. Fans are cheering while competitors have their eyes glued on their screens. Welcome to the world of esports, a sport that is often underestimated and overlooked. 

The birth of esports, a short word for electronic sports, referring to video gaming, traces back to 1972 when home consoles became common. The sport received its first global highlight when Atari, a third-party company for Nintendo, serving as the leader of the video game market from 1975 to the early 1980s, hosted the 1980 Space Invaders Championships, laying the groundwork for the world’s first major esports tournament. 

Over the last several decades, the esports industry has grown immensely, especially with the global presence of some popular games such as League of Legends, Call of Duty, and Fortnite. The increase of esports spectatorship demonstrates the success of the industry. Esports viewership has grown over the years. In 2019, there were 21.1 million esports viewers. This year, esports viewership reached 29.6 million spectators. The number is expected to reach 31.4 million next year. 

Recognizing the value and future growth of esports, the sports industry, both at professional and amateur levels, has defined and included esports as a sport. Not surprisingly, there are many who are questioning this new label given to esports. 

Sport is defined as “an activity involving physical activity and skill in which an individual or team competes with another or another for entertainment.” That said, by definition, esports becomes a sport.

The most essential trait that defines sport is competitiveness. Thus, any activity that requires competitive performance can be identified as sport. Ballet, for instance, is more than performing arts. The level of competitiveness and physical endurance that ballet requires definitely makes a ballerina or a ballerino an athlete, making the dance a form of sport. Likewise, esport, which calls for high level of competition and specified skills, should be welcomed as a new member to our world of sports.